Suffered in Silence, local organizations come together to cleanup Deloris Toliver Park

WARNER ROBINS – Suffered in Silence hosted a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Deloris Toliver Park.

Suffered in Silence is an organization founded by C’Josette Joseph in honor of her sister, a veteran who passed away in 2018. Joseph shared they partnered with 100 Black Men of Greater Warner Robins, an organization that strives to mentor at risk youth with a focus on education, health and wellness, and economic development.

Joseph Lawson, a mentor with 100 Black Men, said the cleanup is part of their outreach and community support. He was eager to see volunteers, clean the area and believed they will have an excellent result.

“We’re trying to give back by cleaning up a little bit,” he said.

Lawson encourages the public to look out for the organization upcoming youth Lego Robotics project, which they are excited to offer.

The organization also partnered with Trini Queen Hair Perfection, a small business owned by Joseph’s described “right hand man,” Dee Kae. 

Joseph shared Suffered in Silence adopted Deloris Toliver Park, formerly Sewell Circle Park. The park was renamed back in 2016 after a teen who died tragically in a fire back in 1978, The Telegraph reported. 

Joseph grew up in the area and said she chose that park specifically because it is her “stomping ground.” The area is where she and her parents grew up and she has many memories of the park. She said she was always within walking distance and remembers the time she spent there before moving at six years old.

“This has just been the park of choice. It is a haven for my parents who grew up here in Warner Robins. It’s just the park, it’s something near and dear to my heart,” she said.

A sign at the park honors Joseph’s father and sister. It says, “in memory of Harvey and Cheryl Joseph.” Joseph mentioned her father was also a veteran. 

Joseph said Suffered in Silence organizes the cleanup quarterly to keep the beloved park beautiful and clean for children. 

When Joseph and Dee Kae first started the cleanup, there were 10 to 15 volunteers. In the recent cleanup, they expected over 60 people cleaning up the park and surrounding neighborhood.

“It has grown. People have come and support it and shown love. I love love, so I really appreciate the city,” she said.

Joseph said the cleanup’s overall goal is for the children to have a safe and clean environment to play in. They focus on the park, but they also clean the surrounding area.

“Who wants their kids playing where there could be broken glass? It could be anything going on at the park. Thats the goal to keep it clean so it can be a safe environment for the children,” she said.

Joseph believed it is important to clean the area for the children and to lead by example. She wants to show younger generations to clean up their area and care about their city.

“No one wants to go on to a dirty environment, I know I don’t. It’s just to show them that there are ways to do things in a proper and decent order,” she said.

Joseph greatly appreciated the volunteers who came to the cleanup, 100 Black Men of Greater Warner Robins and Dee Kae. 

“I just love my community,” she said. 

Deloris Toliver Park is located at 115 Wallace Drive, Warner Robins.